Information processing device, radiation imaging system, method of operating the information processing device, and program

Abstract

This invention provides an information processing device that allows setting a light-gathering field to accommodate various examination conditions for a single radiation imaging device with AEC functionality. [Solution] An information processing device comprising a setting unit for setting the light-gathering field of a first radiation imaging device having an automatic exposure control function, wherein the setting unit sets the shape of a first light-gathering field area of ​​the first radiation imaging device based on the shape of a second light-gathering field area, and the shape of the second light-gathering field area includes the shape of the light-gathering field area of ​​an automatic exposure control device separate from the radiation imaging device, which has an automatic exposure control function.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, a radiation imaging system, an operation method of the information processing apparatus, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Radiation imaging apparatuses equipped with an Automatic Exposure Control (hereinafter referred to as AEC) function are widely used. AEC is a function that detects a part of the radiation transmitted through a subject in a light collection field, converts the detected radiation into an electrical signal, and stops the radiation irradiation when the integrated value of the electrical signal reaches a target value, so that a desired image can be obtained with a minimum dose. Conventionally, in order to implement AEC, an AEC专用 ion chamber (ionization chamber) is provided separately from the radiation imaging apparatus between the subject and the radiation imaging apparatus to enable automatic exposure.

[0003] In a radiation imaging apparatus equipped with AEC, a light collection field suitable for the imaging site is arranged. For example, in the case of frontal chest imaging, the right and left light collection fields corresponding to both lung fields are selected, and in the case of lateral chest imaging, the center of the light collection field is selected.

[0004] On the other hand, as a imaging apparatus used for medical image diagnosis and non-destructive inspection by radiation, a detection apparatus and a radiation imaging apparatus having a pixel array combining a switching element such as a TFT (thin film transistor) and a conversion element such as a photoelectric conversion element have been put into practical use. Such a radiation imaging apparatus is used, for example, as a digital imaging apparatus that performs still image imaging such as general imaging or moving image imaging such as fluoroscopy in medical image diagnosis.

[0005] In recent years, the multi-functionalization of such radiation imaging devices has been considered. One such consideration is the integration of a function that allows the imaging device to monitor radiation exposure information while the radiation source is emitting radiation. Using this function, the cumulative radiation dose can be monitored, and when the cumulative dose reaches a target value, the imaging device can control the radiation source and stop the radiation, thus achieving AEC (Automated Emergency Control) functionality with the radiation imaging device alone. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-52148 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] If the radiography imaging system with built-in AEC (Automated Electronic Control) functionality, as described above, is portable, it is possible to use the AEC function in various positions, such as by placing it on a table. For example, it is possible to use such a radiography imaging system with built-in AEC functionality in conjunction with a separate AEC device. For instance, if a separate AEC device is attached to a standing stand or table, and the radiography imaging system is removed from these for use, the AEC function of the radiography imaging system can be used.

[0008] Furthermore, because a radiation imaging device (AEC sensor) with a built-in AEC function can use the AEC function in a variety of positions due to its structure, it is possible to select the light-gathering field to use from among multiple available fields. Patent Document 1 describes a method for selecting the light-gathering field of an AEC sensor based on the positional information of the light-gathering field used by the old AEC sensor. This makes it possible to change the position of the light-gathering field used depending on the area being scanned, and it is possible to easily select the light-gathering field to use from the positional information of the light-gathering field used in the past, without having to select the light-gathering field each time the area being scanned changes.

[0009] However, in AEC devices that implement AEC functionality separately from AEC sensors, the shape of the light-gathering field area may be tailored to the imaging area, such as the lungs or abdomen. In Patent Document 1, while it is possible to change the position of the light-gathering field used within a predetermined shape, it is not possible to change the shape of the light-gathering field area according to the shape of the imaging area. Therefore, for example, in examinations that image multiple areas, the required shape of the light-gathering field area may differ depending on the imaging area, which may necessitate the use of both an AEC sensor and an AEC device with different light-gathering field shapes. Consequently, it is difficult to use the AEC sensor in Patent Document 1 as a substitute for an AEC device, and it is necessary to use both an AEC sensor and an AEC device depending on the application, raising concerns that this would increase the number of components in the system and incur unnecessary costs.

[0010] One embodiment of the present disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned concerns and aims to provide an information processing device that can set a light-gathering field corresponding to various inspection conditions for a single radiation imaging device having AEC functionality. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a setting unit for setting the light-gathering field of a first radiation imaging device having an automatic exposure control function, the setting unit sets the shape of a first light-gathering field area of ​​the first radiation imaging device based on the shape of a second light-gathering field area, the shape of the second light-gathering field area includes the shape of the light-gathering field area of ​​an automatic exposure control device, which is separate from the radiation imaging device and has an automatic exposure control function. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a single radiation imaging device having AEC functionality can be configured to accommodate a variety of inspection conditions. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1]An example of a schematic configuration of a radiation imaging system according to the first embodiment is shown. [Figure 2] An example of a radiation imaging device incorporating an AEC function according to the first embodiment is shown. [Figure 3] An example of the control device and its peripheral configuration according to the first embodiment is shown. [Figure 4] This image shows a simulated image of the light-gathering field area of ​​the AEC function according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] An example of a light-gathering field area image of the AEC function according to the first embodiment is shown. [Figure 6] Another example of a light-gathering field area image of the AEC function according to the first embodiment is shown. [Figure 7] An example of the association between inspection information and light field information according to the first embodiment is shown. [Figure 8] This is the operation flow for setting the daylight field according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This is the operation flow from imaging to stopping radiation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] An example of a display and selection image of the light-gathering field area according to the first embodiment is shown. [Figure 11] Another example of the display and selection image of the light-gathering field area according to the first embodiment is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of components described in the following embodiments are arbitrary and can be modified depending on the configuration of the apparatus to which the present disclosure applies or various conditions. In addition, the same reference numerals are used between drawings to indicate elements that are identical or functionally similar.

[0015] Hereinafter, a radiation imaging system using X-rays as an example of radiation will be described. However, the radiation may be X-rays or other types of radiation. In the following embodiments, the term "radiation" can include electromagnetic radiation such as X-rays and γ-rays, as well as particle radiation such as α-rays, β-rays, particle beams, proton beams, heavy ion beams, and neutron beams.

[0016] In this specification, mimicking the shape of the light collection field region means creating and setting the shape of the light collection field region similar to the shape of the original light collection field region by referring to the shape of the original light collection field region. Therefore, the shape of the light collection field region created by mimicking the shape of the original light collection field region does not have to match the shape of the original light collection field region.

[0017] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 1 to 11, a radiation imaging system, an information processing apparatus, and an operation method of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 1 shows an example of the schematic configuration of the radiation imaging system according to this embodiment.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the radiation imaging system 10 is provided in a radiation room 1 that performs radiation imaging by radiation irradiation and a control room 2 installed near the radiation room 1. In this embodiment, the radiation room 1 and the control room 2 are separated into rooms, but all components may be provided in the same room, such as in the case of a return visit imaging.

[0019] In the radiation room 1, as components of the radiation imaging system 10, a radiation imaging device 100 having an AEC function built-in, a communication control device 123, a radiation generation device 124, a radiation source 125, an imaging device cable 126, and a radiation generation device communication cable 127 are provided. The communication control device 123 may communicate with the radiation imaging device 100 wirelessly. In the case of wireless communication, the radiation room 1 includes an access point instead of the imaging device cable 126.

[0020] Control room 2 is equipped with a control device (information processing device) 110, a radiation irradiation switch 111, and a display device 113 as components of the radiation imaging system 10. Furthermore, control room 2 is equipped with a first input device 114, a second input device 117, an in-hospital LAN 115, a first radiology room communication cable 116, and a second radiology room communication cable 118 as components of the radiation imaging system 10.

[0021] The radiation imaging device 100 detects radiation transmitted through the subject 106 and generates radiation image data. The radiation imaging device 100 also has an AEC (Automatic Emergency Cycle) function. The configuration of the radiation imaging device 100 will be described later.

[0022] The communication control device 123 controls communication between the radiation generator 124, the radiation imaging device 100, and the control device 110 so that they can communicate with each other.

[0023] The radiation generator 124 controls the radiation source 125 to irradiate the subject 106 with radiation based on irradiation conditions corresponding to the examination order, etc. The radiation source 125 includes, for example, a light bulb, and irradiates the subject 106 with radiation according to the control of the radiation generator 124.

[0024] The imaging device cable 126 is a cable for connecting the radiation imaging device 100 and the communication control device 123. The radiation generator communication cable 127 is a cable for connecting the radiation generator 124 and the communication control device 123.

[0025] The control device 110 communicates with the radiation generator 124 and the radiation imaging device 100 via the communication control device 123, and provides overall control of the radiation imaging system 10. The control device 110 is also connected to the radiation irradiation switch 111, the display device 113, the first input device 114, and the hospital LAN 115.

[0026] The radiation irradiation switch 111 inputs the timing of radiation irradiation to the control device 110 through the operation of the operator 112. The first input device 114 is a device for receiving instructions from the operator 112, and various input devices such as a keyboard or touch panel are used. The second input device 117 is a device for receiving instructions from the operator 112 regarding the imaging conditions of the radiation generator 124, and various input devices such as a keyboard or touch panel are used, similar to the first input device 114. Note that only the first input device 114 may be provided, but an input device that can set the imaging conditions of the radiation generator 124 specifically, such as the second input device 117, may also be provided.

[0027] The display device 113 is a device that displays image-processed radiation image data, a GUI, etc., in accordance with the control of the control device 110, and any display can be used. The display device 113 may be configured as a touch panel display, in which case the display device 113 can also be used as the first input device 114. Furthermore, the control device 110, the first input device 114, and the display device 113 may be configured as an integrated unit.

[0028] The hospital's internal LAN 115 is the core network within the hospital. The hospital's LAN 115 may include information systems and image management systems not shown in the diagram.

[0029] The first radiology room communication cable 116 is a cable for connecting the control device 110 and the communication control device 123 inside the radiology room 1. The second radiology room communication cable 118 is a cable for connecting the second input device 117 and the radiation generator 124 inside the radiology room 1.

[0030] Next, the operation of the radiography imaging system 10 will be described. First, the operator 112 inputs and sets patient information such as the patient's ID, name, and date of birth, as well as imaging information such as the imaging area of ​​the patient 106, to the control device 110 via the first input device 114. In addition to setting the patient information and imaging information by direct input, it is also possible to set them automatically by selecting an examination order received via the hospital LAN 115. Furthermore, the patient information and imaging information can also be set by selecting a pre-set imaging program. Note that the patient information and imaging information may also be set automatically based on the examination order received from the hospital LAN 115 without any operation by the operator 112.

[0031] Once the preparation for imaging is complete, the operator 112 presses the radiation irradiation switch 111. When the radiation irradiation switch 111 is pressed, the radiation imaging device 100 performs the desired preparations, and then radiation is emitted from the radiation source 125 towards the subject 106.

[0032] The radiation imaging device 100 communicates with the radiation generator 124 to control the start and end of radiation irradiation. The radiation irradiated to the subject 106 passes through the subject 106 and enters the radiation imaging device 100. The radiation imaging device 100 converts the incident radiation into visible light and then detects it as a radiation electrical signal using a photoelectric conversion element. The radiation imaging device 100 may also have a configuration that directly converts the incident radiation into a radiation electrical signal.

[0033] The radiation imaging device 100 drives a photoelectric conversion element to read out the radiation electrical signal, and converts the analog signal into a digital signal using an AD converter to obtain digital radiation image data. The obtained digital radiation image data is transferred from the radiation imaging device 100 to the control device 110.

[0034] The control device 110 processes the received digital radiation image data. The control device 110 displays the radiation image based on the processed radiation image data on the display device 113. The control device 110 functions as both an image processing device and a display control device. This completes the operation of the radiation imaging system 10.

[0035] Next, a radiation imaging device 100 incorporating an AEC function will be described using Figure 2. The radiation imaging device 100 is provided with a support substrate 200 on which a pixel array 228 is arranged, a drive circuit 221, a readout circuit 222, a signal processing unit 224, and an imaging device control unit 225. The pixel array 228 includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix. The plurality of pixels include a first pixel 201 and a second pixel 211.

[0036] The first pixel 201 includes a conversion element 202 that converts incident radiation or light into an electric charge corresponding to the amount of radiation incident, and a switch element 203 that outputs the charge generated by the conversion element 202 to a signal line 206, in order to acquire a radiation image. The conversion element 202 may be an indirect type conversion element using, for example, a scintillator that converts radiation into light and a photoelectric conversion element that converts the light converted by the scintillator into an electric charge. Alternatively, a direct type conversion element that directly converts radiation into an electric charge may be used as the conversion element 202. As the switch element 203, for example, a thin-film transistor (TFT) made of amorphous silicon or polycrystalline silicon can be used. For example, polycrystalline silicon may be used depending on the characteristics required for the TFT. Furthermore, the semiconductor material used for the TFT is not limited to silicon, but may also be other semiconductor materials such as germanium or compound semiconductors.

[0037] The first electrode of the conversion element 202 is electrically connected to the first main electrode of the switch element 203, and the second electrode of the conversion element 202 is electrically connected to the bias wire 208. The bias wire 208 is commonly connected to the second electrodes of multiple conversion elements 202 arranged in a row. A common bias voltage is supplied to the bias wire 208 arranged in each row. The bias wire 208 receives the bias voltage from a power supply circuit (not shown).

[0038] A signal line 206 is electrically connected to the second main electrode of the switch element 203. The second main electrode of the switch element 203 of the pixels arranged along the row is commonly connected to the signal line 206. A signal line 206 is provided for each row of pixels. Each signal line 206 is electrically connected to the readout circuit 222. A drive line 204 is electrically connected to the control electrode of the switch element 203. The drive line 204 is commonly connected to the control electrode of the switch element 203 of a plurality of first pixels 201 arranged along the row, and gate control voltages Vg1 to Vgn are applied to the drive line 204 from the drive circuit 221.

[0039] The second pixel 211 includes a detection element 212 that converts incident radiation or light into an electric charge corresponding to the incident amount in order to obtain the total amount of incident radiation during radiation irradiation, and a switch element 213 that outputs the electric charge generated by the detection element 212 to the detection line 210. The second pixel 211 may also include the conversion element 202 and the switch element 203 described above. The detection element 212 may have a similar configuration to the conversion element 202, and the switch element 213 may have a similar configuration to the switch element 203.

[0040] The first electrode of the detection element 212 is electrically connected to the first main electrode of the switch element 213, and the second electrode of the detection element 212 is electrically connected to the bias wires 208 arranged in rows. The second main electrodes of the switch elements 213, arranged along the rows, are connected to the detection lines 210. Each detection line 210 is electrically connected to the readout circuit 222. The control electrodes of the switch elements 213 are connected to the drive lines 215, arranged in rows. Gate control voltages Vd1 to Vdn are applied to each drive line 215 from the drive circuit 221.

[0041] The second pixel 211 may be arranged in multiple locations within the imaging area as shown in Figure 2, or it may be arranged as a single unit. If multiple pixels are arranged, the detection of the incident radiation dose may be performed by one of the detection elements 212 of the multiple second pixels 211, or by multiple detection elements 212. Alternatively, the second pixel 211 may not be arranged, and the drive line 204 may be driven during radiation irradiation to obtain the total amount of radiation incident from the first pixel 201.

[0042] In the readout circuit 222, the signal line 206 and the detection line 210 are connected to the inverting input terminals of the operational amplifier 250, respectively. The inverting input terminals of the operational amplifier 250 are connected to the output terminals via a feedback capacitor, and the non-inverting input terminals are connected to an arbitrary fixed potential. The operational amplifier 250 functions as a charge-voltage conversion circuit. An AD converter 253 is connected downstream of the operational amplifier 250 via a sample-and-hold circuit 251 and a multiplexer 252.

[0043] The readout circuit 222 constitutes a digital conversion circuit that converts the charge transferred from the conversion element 202 and detection element 212 of the first pixel 201 and the second pixel 211, respectively, via the signal line 206 and the detection line 210, into an electrical signal of a digital signal. The readout circuit 222 may integrate each circuit, or each circuit may be arranged individually.

[0044] The signal processing unit 224 processes the signal read out by the readout circuit 222. For example, the signal processing unit 224 processes the digital signal transferred from the conversion element 202 via the signal line 206 and converted by the readout circuit 222 to generate digital radiation image data. The signal processing unit 224 can also process the digital signal transferred from the detection element 212 via the detection line 210 and converted by the readout circuit 222 to calculate the total amount of incident radiation. Alternatively, the signal processing unit 224 may process the digital signal transferred from the conversion element 202 via the signal line 206 and converted by the readout circuit 222 to calculate the total amount of incident radiation.

[0045] The imaging device control unit 225 controls components within the radiation imaging device 100, such as the drive circuit 221, the readout circuit 222, and the signal processing unit 224. For example, the imaging device control unit 225 can transmit the digital radiation image output from the signal processing unit 224 to the control device 110. The imaging device control unit 225 can also determine the radiation irradiation stop timing based on the total amount of incident radiation output from the signal processing unit 224 and transmit this to the radiation generator 124.

[0046] In this embodiment, the first pixel 201 is used to acquire a radiation image, and the second pixel 211 is used to acquire both the radiation image and the total amount of incident radiation. However, the uses of the first pixel 201 and the second pixel 211 are not limited to these. Depending on the desired configuration, the first pixel 201 and the second pixel 211 may be used to acquire both the radiation image and / or the total amount of incident radiation. Furthermore, the pixel array 228 may contain multiple first pixels 201 or second pixels 211. In this case, depending on the desired configuration, each pixel may be used for acquiring a radiation image, acquiring the total amount of incident radiation, or both.

[0047] Next, the configuration of the control device 110 will be described with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device 110 and the radiation imaging device 100 and its peripheral devices. The control device 110 is equipped with an imaging control unit 301, an AEC light field information storage unit 302, a light field setting unit 303, a light field information storage unit 304, an inspection information storage unit 305, a light field association unit 306, and a display control unit 307.

[0048] The imaging control unit 301 controls the radiation imaging device 100 and the radiation generator 124 to control radiation imaging. The imaging control unit 301 exchanges information with the radiation generator 124 regarding the control of the radiation generator 124, such as notifications of the start and stop of radiation irradiation and AEC information. The imaging control unit 301 also exchanges information with the radiation imaging device 100 regarding radiation image data, radiation irradiation stop timing, and light field information. The imaging control unit 301 can also acquire information on the amount of radiation incident from the radiation imaging device 100.

[0049] The AEC light field information storage unit 302 stores information for setting the light field of the radiation imaging device 100. Here, the light field is the area in which the incident radiation dose can be detected. The AEC light field information storage unit 302 stores, for example, light field information including information on the shape of the light field area in an automatic exposure control device (AEC device) separate from the radiation imaging device 100, and light field information including information on the shape of the light field area built into a radiation imaging device other than the radiation imaging device 100. The AEC light field information storage unit 302 can also store light field information used in the past, and information on the area in which the subject and the radiation imaging device 100 overlap in the current imaging.

[0050] Furthermore, the AEC light field information storage unit 302 can also store information about the combined shape of the light field area in an AEC device separate from the radiation imaging device 100 and the shape of the light field area built into a radiation imaging device separate from the radiation imaging device 100. In this regard, the AEC light field information storage unit 302 can also store information about the shape of the light field area when a radiation imaging device separate from the radiation imaging device 100 and an AEC device separate from the radiation imaging device 100 are used in combination.

[0051] The light field setting unit 303 can set the shape of the light field area of ​​the radiation imaging device 100. In addition, the light field setting unit 303 can receive light field information as input from the AEC light field information storage unit 302 and set the shape of the light field area of ​​the radiation imaging device 100 by mimicking (or based on) the shape of the light field area included in the said light field information.

[0052] As a method for simulating the shape of the light field area, the light field setting unit 303 may, for example, simulate the light field area of ​​the light field information stored in the AEC light field information storage unit 302 in response to instructions from the operator 112. Alternatively, the light field setting unit 303 may simulate the shape based on the position information of the light field area input from the AEC light field information storage unit 302, without receiving instructions from the operator 112.

[0053] For example, the daylight field information stored in the AEC daylight field information storage unit 302 is displayed on any display device such as the display device 113, and the operator 112 inputs an instruction to set a daylight field area that is similar in shape to the displayed daylight field area. The daylight field setting unit 303 sets the daylight field area in response to the instruction from the operator 112, thereby setting a daylight field area that mimics the daylight field area of ​​the daylight field information stored in the AEC daylight field information storage unit 302.

[0054] Furthermore, for example, the AEC daylighting field information storage unit 302 may input coordinate information of the location where the daylighting field area of ​​the stored daylighting field information is set as input data to the daylighting field setting unit 303. In this case, the daylighting field setting unit 303 can set the shape of the newly set daylighting field area to be the same as the shape of the daylighting field area of ​​the input data based on the input data. Note that these methods of mimicking the shape of the daylighting field area are just examples, and the shape of the daylighting field area may be mimicked by other methods.

[0055] Here, Figure 4 shows an example in which the light field setting unit 303 sets the shape of the light field area by mimicking the information stored in the AEC light field information storage unit 302. In Figure 4, the light field area 401 is the light field area stored in the AEC light field information storage unit 302. The light field area 402 shows an example of setting the light field area by mimicking the light field area 401 in the manner described above, and superimposing and enclosing it within the light field area 401. On the other hand, the light field area 403 is not enclosing the light field area 401, and shows an example of setting the light field area by mimicking the shape of the light field area beyond the area of ​​the original light field area 401.

[0056] These example settings are just a few examples, and various imitations may be performed depending on conditions such as the ratio of inscribed / circumscribed areas and overlapping areas, as well as the shape of the light field area to be set. Here, the ratio of the overlapping area can be, for example, 50% or more, between the light field area to be set and the light field area of ​​the original being imitated. However, the ratio of the overlapping area is not limited to this and can be set arbitrarily according to the desired configuration.

[0057] The light field information storage unit 304 stores the light field information of the radiation imaging device 100. The information of the light field area set in the light field setting unit 303 is stored in the light field information storage unit 304 as light field information. Once the light field information is stored in the light field information storage unit 304, it can be edited again by the light field setting unit 303.

[0058] The examination information storage unit 305 stores examination information related to examinations using the radiographic imaging system 10. The examination information stored in the examination information storage unit 305 may include, for example, patient information, imaging site information, imaging procedure (standing, lying, sitting, portable, etc.), and information about the sensors used (size and type of sensors), etc.

[0059] The light field association unit 306 associates the light field information stored in the light field information storage unit 304 with the inspection information stored in the inspection information storage unit 305. The information to be associated can be freely selected from the inspection information stored in the inspection information storage unit 305.

[0060] The display control unit 307 can control the display device 113 and, for example, display patient information, captured radiation images, examination information, and the set light field area on the display device 113. The display control unit 307 may also display the light field area of ​​the light field information stored in the AEC light field information storage unit 302 and the light field area set for the radiation imaging device 100 side by side, switch between them, or superimpose them on the display device 113. Furthermore, the display control unit 307 may display a GUI or the like on the display device 113 for setting the light field area in response to instructions from the operator 112 via the first input device 114.

[0061] Here, the control device 110 can be configured as a computer equipped with a processor and memory. The control device 110 may be a general-purpose computer or a computer specifically designed for radiation imaging systems. Furthermore, the control device 110 may be a personal computer, such as a desktop PC, notebook PC, or tablet PC (portable information terminal). Additionally, the control device 110 may be configured as a cloud-type computer, with some components located on external devices.

[0062] Furthermore, the components of the control device 110 other than the storage unit described above may be composed of software modules executed by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The processor may be, for example, a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). In addition, each of these components may be composed of circuits that perform specific functions, such as ASICs. The AEC light field information storage unit 302, the light field information storage unit 304, and the inspection information storage unit 305 may be configured using any storage medium, for example, any memory, optical memory device, SSD (Solid State Drive), etc.

[0063] The radiation imaging device 100 can provide many light-gathering fields in a free arrangement and shape, ranging from, for example, five points up to the number of pixels in the radiation imaging device 100, rather than the usual one to three points, or at most four points, for the light-gathering field. For example, as shown in Figure 5, it is possible to select multiple small light-gathering field areas 501 from among the many light-gathering field areas of the radiation imaging device 100, and create large light-gathering field areas 502 to 505 by referring to the shape of the light-gathering field areas stored in the AEC light-gathering field information storage unit 302. The small light-gathering field areas 501 may correspond to the pixels of the sensor, such as the first pixel 201 and the second pixel 211. Note that the light-gathering fields shown in Figure 5 are just examples, and any shape, arrangement, and number of light-gathering fields may be provided. Also, the small light-gathering field areas selected, such as the large light-gathering field area 504 and the large light-gathering field area 505, do not need to be adjacent; they may be selected diagonally and set as a large light-gathering field area. Furthermore, a large field of light can also be referred to as a group of field of light, which is a collection of the smallest units of field of light.

[0064] Figure 6 also shows examples of setting other large light-gathering field areas. The light-gathering field setting unit 303 can set a large light-gathering field area 601, once set, to a position that has been shifted horizontally or vertically from its previously set position using the coordinate information of pixels placed on the radiation imaging device 100. In addition, the light-gathering field setting unit 303 can also create one large light-gathering field area, such as the large light-gathering field area 602, and then duplicate and set a large light-gathering field area that is symmetrical to the center of the area where light-gathering field areas can be set. In the case of large light-gathering field areas 603 and 604, the overlapping area is set as part of the large light-gathering field area. In this way, the light-gathering field setting unit 303 can also set overlapping light-gathering field areas as part of each large light-gathering field area. Here, only one small light-gathering field area is superimposed, but multiple small light-gathering field areas may be superimposed.

[0065] These light-gathering field areas are primarily set before imaging begins, and the shape of the pre-created light-gathering field area is selected and used depending on the examination. Figure 7 shows an example of the light-gathering field information and examination information actually associated by the light-gathering field association unit 306. For example, in the example shown in Figure 7, the light-gathering field information is set according to the imaging site. In this example, four light-gathering field areas are set for imaging of the chest, and one light-gathering field area is set for imaging of the abdomen.

[0066] In this example, settings for each imaging area were shown, but the information that can be associated with the field of view information stored in the field of view information storage unit 304 is not limited to this. The field of view association unit 306 can associate various information related to the examination with the field of view information stored in the field of view information storage unit 304, in addition to imaging areas, such as patient information, the radiography device 100 used, and the imaging procedure (standing, lying down, sitting, or portable, etc.).

[0067] The light field information associated by the light field association unit 306 is notified to the imaging control unit 301, which then notifies the radiation imaging device 100 and the radiation generator 124 of the light field information associated with the notified inspection information. The radiation imaging device 100 sets the light field area based on the notified light field information.

[0068] Furthermore, the display control unit 307 displays the light field information associated by the light field association unit 306 on the display device 113. The display control unit 307 allows the first input device 114 to select which light field areas to enable / disable based on the light field information displayed on the display device 113. The selected light field areas may be small light field areas or large light field areas set in advance.

[0069] The display control unit 307 displays the light field information modified by the first input device 114 on the display device 113 and notifies the light field association unit 306 of the modified light field information. The light field association unit 306 notifies the shooting control unit 301 of the light field information modified by the first input device 114.

[0070] The imaging control unit 301 notifies the radiation imaging device 100 of the light field information acquired from the light field association unit 306. The imaging device control unit 225 of the radiation imaging device 100 controls the drive circuit 221 and the readout circuit 222 based on the notified light field information.

[0071] The imaging control unit 301 controls the radiation generator 124 based on the information on the incident radiation dose obtained from the imaging device control unit 225. The imaging control unit 301 and the radiation generator 124 exchange information related to the control of the radiation generator 124, such as notifications of the start and stop of radiation irradiation, and AEC information.

[0072] Next, using the radiographic imaging device 100 with built-in AEC function shown in Figure 1, the operation flow for setting the light-gathering field area using different light-gathering field information as input will be explained with reference to Figure 8. In the following, the operation flow for setting the light-gathering field area for each imaging area will be explained. However, the setting of the light-gathering field area is not limited to this and may be performed for each examination information associated with the light-gathering field information to be set. The light-gathering field area may be set for each of the following items included in the examination information: imaging technique, imaging posture, imaging direction, presence or absence of grid, radiographic imaging device, or type of radiographic imaging device (sensor type), or it may be set for each piece of information that combines these. Furthermore, the examination information associated with the light-gathering field area may be other information.

[0073] In step S801, the light field setting unit 303 acquires light field information from another AEC device or radiographic imaging device stored in the AEC light field information storage unit 302. At this time, the display control unit 307 may display the light field information acquired by the light field setting unit 303 on the display device 113. The light field setting unit 303 can acquire light field information corresponding to the inspection information associated with the light field information to be set from the AEC light field information storage unit 302, and in this embodiment, light field information corresponding to the imaging area is acquired from the AEC light field information storage unit 302.

[0074] In step S802, the light field setting unit 303 starts setting the light field based on the light field information acquired from another AEC device or radiation imaging device.

[0075] In step S803, the light field setting unit 303 sets the shape of the light field area based on the light field information acquired from another AEC device or radiographic imaging device. The light field setting unit 303 can set the shape of the light field area on a per-light field basis. Therefore, the light field setting unit 303 can set the shape of one or more light field areas for, for example, a single imaging area.

[0076] The shape of the light-gathering field area can be set by the method described above with reference to Figures 4 to 6. For example, the light-gathering field setting unit 303 can set the shape of the light-gathering field area to mimic the light-gathering field information of another AEC device or radiographic imaging device acquired in response to instructions from the operator 112. Alternatively, the light-gathering field setting unit 303 may set the shape of the light-gathering field area to mimic the light-gathering field information of another AEC device or radiographic imaging device acquired according to predetermined conditions such as the ratio of inscribed / circumscribed and overlapping areas. Note that conditions such as the ratio of inscribed / circumscribed and overlapping areas may be set for each inspection information associated with the light-gathering field information to be set. However, the setting of the shape of the light-gathering field area is not limited to the above method and may be performed by any method according to the desired configuration, based on the light-gathering field information of another AEC device or radiographic imaging device acquired.

[0077] In step S804, the daylight field setting unit 303 determines whether or not to add a daylight field area. This determination may be made based on instructions from the operator 112, the number of daylight field areas predetermined for each inspection information associated with the daylight field information to be set, etc. If it is determined that an additional daylight field area should be set, the process returns to step S803, and the shape of the next daylight field area is set. When all daylight field areas have been set and the daylight field setting is to be completed, that is, when it is determined that no additional daylight field areas should be set, the process proceeds to step S805, and the daylight field setting is completed.

[0078] In step S806, the daylight field setting unit 303 saves the daylight field information, which has been set, to the daylight field information storage unit 304.

[0079] In step S807, the light field association unit 306 associates the light field information stored in the light field information storage unit 304 with the inspection information stored in the inspection information storage unit 305.

[0080] The above workflow is performed as preparation before the inspection begins, and the prepared light field information is used in the inspection.

[0081] Next, Figure 9 will be used to explain the operation flow when actually performing imaging using the light field information set in Figure 8. The following explanation will focus on the operation flow when performing imaging using a light field area corresponding to the body part information (imaging area). However, the light field area used is not limited to that corresponding to the body part information; any area corresponding to the pre-set light field information and associated examination information is acceptable.

[0082] In step S901, the control device 110 acquires examination information, including location information, the radiography equipment to be used, and the imaging method such as standing, supine, or free position. The control device 110 may acquire examination information according to the instructions of the operator 112, or it may acquire examination information included in the examination order acquired from the hospital LAN 115, etc.

[0083] In step S902, the light field association unit 306 retrieves the light field information associated with the acquired part information from the light field information storage unit 304. If there are multiple light field information entries associated with the acquired part information, the light field association unit 306 can retrieve all of them.

[0084] In step S903, the display control unit 307 displays the daylight field information acquired in step S902 on the display device 113. At this time, the display control unit 307 can display the daylight field information on the display device 113 in a way that allows the arrangement of the daylight fields to be visually confirmed. Furthermore, if there are multiple daylight field information sets acquired, the display control unit 307 can display the daylight field information on the display device 113 in a way that allows selection of the daylight field information, such as daylight field information 1001 and 1002 shown in Figure 10.

[0085] Furthermore, the display control unit 307 can display the light field information on the display device 113 so that the light field area can be changed and adjusted as needed. The method for adjusting the light field area can be, for example, by the operator 112 using the first input device 114 to press the light field of the light field information 1001, 1002 displayed on the display device 113, thereby toggling the light field area ON or OFF. Alternatively, the method for changing the light field area can be, for example, by displaying a selection of pre-set light field area options, such as window 1003 in Figure 10 or window 1101 in Figure 11, and the operator 112 using the first input device 114 to select a light field area from these options. However, the methods for adjusting and changing the light field area are not limited to these, and any method may be used depending on the desired configuration.

[0086] In step S904, the imaging control unit 301 transmits information necessary for performing imaging, such as information regarding the control of the radiation generator 124 based on the inspection information and AEC information, to the radiation imaging device 100 and the radiation generator 124. The AEC information transmitted to the radiation imaging device 100 includes, for example, AEC light field information and the target cumulative dose which is the threshold for stopping radiation. The information such as the target cumulative dose may be based on the inspection information acquired in step S901.

[0087] In step S905, when the preparation for imaging is complete and the operator 112 presses the radiation irradiation switch 111, the radiation source 125 irradiates radiation based on the control of the radiation generator 124. The irradiated radiation passes through the subject 106 and enters the radiation imaging device 100. The radiation imaging device 100 detects the radiation incident on the light-collecting field with pixels selected as the light-collecting field, and the signal processing unit 224 calculates the cumulative irradiation dose, which is the cumulative value of the dose detected (reached dose) over a predetermined period. In this embodiment, the radiation imaging device 100 and the imaging control unit 301 are described as separate units, but the imaging control unit 301 may be configured within the radiation imaging device 100. The imaging device control unit 225 calculates the irradiation dose of the selected light-collecting field from the cumulative irradiation dose information of each light-collecting field notified by the signal processing unit 224.

[0088] In step S906, the imaging device control unit 225 determines whether the calculated cumulative radiation dose in the light-gathering field has reached the target cumulative radiation dose. If it is determined that the cumulative radiation dose has reached the target cumulative radiation dose, the imaging device control unit 225 determines the radiation irradiation stop timing, transmits the determined radiation irradiation stop timing to the imaging control unit 301, and the process proceeds to step S907. On the other hand, if it is determined that the cumulative radiation dose has not reached the target cumulative radiation dose, the process repeats step S906.

[0089] In step S907, the imaging control unit 301 notifies the radiation generator 124 to stop radiation irradiation based on the determined radiation irradiation stop timing. The radiation generator 124 stops the radiation irradiation from the radiation source 125 based on the notified radiation irradiation stop timing.

[0090] As described above, the radiation imaging system 10 according to this embodiment includes a radiation imaging device 100 that detects radiation and a control device 110 that is communicatively connected to the radiation imaging device 100. The radiation imaging system may further include a radiation generator 124 that controls a radiation source 125 that generates radiation, in which case the control device 110 can be communicatively connected to the radiation generator 124.

[0091] The control device 110 can function as an example of an information processing device for controlling the radiation imaging device 100. The control device 110 includes a light field setting unit 303. The light field setting unit 303 can function as an example of a setting unit for setting the light field of a first radiation imaging device (radiation imaging device 100) having an automatic exposure control function. The light field setting unit 303 sets the shape of the first light field area of ​​the radiation imaging device 100 based on the shape of the second light field area. Here, the shape of the second light field area includes the shape of the light field area of ​​an automatic exposure control device (AEC device), which is separate from the radiation imaging device and has an automatic exposure control function. The automatic exposure control device may be, for example, a device equipped with an ion chamber.

[0092] Thus, the control device 110 according to this embodiment can set the shape of the light-gathering field area of ​​the radiation imaging device 100 based on the shape of the light-gathering field area of ​​AEC devices, which have different light-gathering field area shapes. More specifically, the control device 110 can set the shape of the light-gathering field area of ​​the radiation imaging device 100 to match (or mimic) the shape of the light-gathering field area of ​​the AEC device. This allows the control device 110 to set a light-gathering field that corresponds to various inspection conditions such as positioning using a single radiation imaging device 100. The setting of the light-gathering field area of ​​the radiation imaging device 100 can also be set in advance for the radiation imaging related to the inspection.

[0093] Furthermore, the shape of the second light-gathering field area may further include the shape of the light-gathering field area of ​​a second radiation imaging device different from the radiation imaging device 100, which has an automatic exposure control function. Also, the shape of the second light-gathering field area may further include a combination of the shape of the light-gathering field area of ​​the automatic exposure control device and the shape of the light-gathering field area of ​​a second radiation imaging device different from the radiation imaging device 100, which has an automatic exposure control function. With such a configuration, the control device 110 can set more variations for the light-gathering field of the radiation imaging device 100 to accommodate a variety of inspection conditions.

[0094] Furthermore, the light field setting unit 303 can set the shape of the first light field region by mimicking the shape of the second light field region. For example, the light field setting unit 303 can set the shape of the first light field region by mimicking the shape of the second light field region so that the first light field region overlaps the second light field region by 50% or more. Alternatively, for example, the light field setting unit 303 can set the shape of the first light field region by mimicking the shape of the second light field region so that the first light field region is circumscribed or inscribed with the second light field region. With such a configuration, the control device 110 can set the shape of the first light field region to more closely resemble the shape of the second light field region, and can set the light field more accurately to correspond to a variety of inspection conditions.

[0095] Furthermore, the control device 110 may further include an AEC light field information storage unit 302. The AEC light field information storage unit 302 can function as a first storage unit that stores information about a second light field area. The light field setting unit 303 can set the shape of the first light field area based on the shape of the second light field area stored in the AEC light field information storage unit 302. With this configuration, the control device 110 can set the shape of the light field area of ​​the radiation imaging device 100 using the information stored in the AEC light field information storage unit 302, thereby shortening the time required to acquire the shape of the second light field area and reducing the time required for setting processing.

[0096] In this embodiment, the light field setting unit 303 obtained information for setting the light field of the radiation imaging device 100 from the AEC light field information storage unit 302. Alternatively, the light field setting unit 303 may obtain information for setting the light field of the radiation imaging device 100 from an external device or the hospital LAN 115, etc.

[0097] Furthermore, the AEC light field information storage unit 302 can store information about the light field area of ​​previously used automatic exposure control devices as information about a second light field area. With this configuration, the control device 110 can set the shape of the light field area of ​​the radiation imaging device 100 by mimicking the shape of the light field area that was actually used, thereby setting a more practical shape for the light field area.

[0098] Furthermore, the control device 110 may further include an inspection information storage unit 305 and a light field association unit 306. The inspection information storage unit 305 can function as an example of a management unit for managing inspection information. The light field association unit 306 can associate the shape of a first light field area set by the light field setting unit 303 with the inspection information. With such a configuration, the control device 110 can set an appropriate light field area shape based on the inspection information. The inspection information may include, for example, the shooting site, the shooting technique (standing, lying, sitting, portable, etc.), the shooting posture, the shooting direction, the presence or absence of a grid, and at least one of the sensor type.

[0099] Furthermore, the control device 110 may further include an imaging control unit 301 which can function as an example of a control unit that controls the automatic exposure control function of the radiographic imaging device 100 using information of a first light-gathering field area associated with the examination information included in the examination order of the subject 106. With such a configuration, the control device 110 can control the automatic exposure control function using the set appropriate shape of the light-gathering field area based on the examination information.

[0100] The light-gathering field setting unit 303 can set the smallest unit of the light-gathering field area of ​​the radiation imaging device 100 to one pixel of the radiation imaging device 100. Furthermore, if a group of the smallest units of the light-gathering field area of ​​the radiation imaging device 100 is called a light-gathering field group, the light-gathering field setting unit 303 can set the shape of the first light-gathering field area using at least one light-gathering field group. In addition, the first light-gathering field area can include multiple light-gathering field groups that overlap at least in part. Moreover, light-gathering field groups can include light-gathering field areas that are not adjacent to each other. With this configuration, the control device 110 can set the light-gathering field more accurately to correspond to a variety of inspection conditions.

[0101] Furthermore, the light field setting unit 303 can set the shape of the first light field area using a first light field group and a second light field group that is symmetrical to the first light field group. In addition, the light field setting unit 303 can change the coordinate information of the first light field area in units of light field groups. With this configuration, the control device 110 can set the light field area more efficiently.

[0102] Furthermore, the light field setting unit 303 can switch the activation / deactivation of light field groups in the first light field region on a unit basis, in response to instructions from the operator 112. With this configuration, the control device 110 can more accurately set the light field to accommodate a variety of inspection conditions. In addition, the control device 110 may further include a display control unit 307 that functions as an example of a display control unit that displays information about the first light field region on the display device 113. With this configuration, the operator 112 can more easily grasp the information about the set light field region.

[0103] (Other embodiments) The disclosure can also be implemented by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the embodiments described above to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. Furthermore, the disclosure can also be implemented by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions. A computer may have one or more processors or circuits and may include a plurality of separate computers or a network of a plurality of separate processors or circuits for reading and executing computer executable instructions.

[0104] A processor or circuit may include a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessing unit (MPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a field-programmable gateway (FPGA). Furthermore, a processor or circuit may include a digital signal processor (DSP), a dataflow processor (DFP), or a neural processing unit (NPU).

[0105] The above disclosure includes the following configurations, methods, and programs. (Composition 1) It includes a setting unit for setting the light-gathering field of a first radiation imaging device having an automatic exposure control function, The setting unit sets the shape of the first light-gathering field area of ​​the first radiation imaging device based on the shape of the second light-gathering field area. The shape of the second light-gathering field area includes the shape of the light-gathering field area of ​​an automatic exposure control device, which has an automatic exposure control function and is separate from the radiation imaging device, and is an information processing device. (Configuration 2) The information processing device according to configuration 1, wherein the shape of the second light-gathering field area further includes the shape of the light-gathering field area of ​​a second radiation imaging device, which has the automatic exposure control function and is different from the first radiation imaging device. (Composition 3) The information processing device according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the shape of the second light-gathering field area further includes a shape that combines the shape of the light-gathering field area of ​​the automatic exposure control device and the shape of the light-gathering field area of ​​a second radiation imaging device, which has the automatic exposure control function and is different from the first radiation imaging device. (Composition 4) The setting unit sets the shape of the first light-collecting field area by mimicking the shape of the second light-collecting field area, according to any one of configurations 1 to 3. (Composition 5) The information processing device according to configuration 4, wherein the setting unit sets the shape of the first light-collecting field area by mimicking the shape of the second light-collecting field area so that the first light-collecting field area overlaps the second light-collecting field area by 50% or more, or so that the first light-collecting field area is circumscribed or inscribed with the second light-collecting field area. (Composition 6) The system further comprises a first storage unit for storing information of the second light-gathering field area, The information processing apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the setting unit sets the shape of the first light-collecting field area based on the shape of the second light-collecting field area stored in the first storage unit. (Composition 7) The information processing device according to configuration 6, wherein the first storage unit stores information of the light-gathering field area of ​​the automatic exposure control device used in the past as information of the second light-gathering field area. (Composition 8) The management department manages the inspection information, A relationship unit that associates the shape of the first light-gathering field area set by the setting unit with the inspection information, An information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, further comprising the above. (Composition 9) The information processing device according to configuration 8, wherein the aforementioned inspection information includes at least one of the imaging site, imaging technique, imaging posture, imaging direction, presence or absence of a grid, and sensor type. (Composition 10) The information processing device according to configuration 8 or 9, further comprising a control unit that controls the automatic exposure control function of the first radiation imaging device using information of the first light-gathering field area associated with the examination information included in the examination order of the subject. (Composition 11) The setting unit is an information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, wherein the smallest unit of the light-gathering field area of ​​the first radiation imaging device is one pixel of the first radiation imaging device. (Composition 12) The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, wherein when the smallest unit area of ​​the light-gathering field area of ​​the first radiation imaging device is bundled together to form a light-gathering field group, the setting unit sets the shape of the first light-gathering field area using at least one of the light-gathering field groups. (Composition 13) The information processing apparatus according to configuration 12, wherein the first light-gathering field region includes a plurality of light-gathering field groups that overlap in at least part. (Composition 14) The information processing apparatus according to configuration 12 or 13, wherein the group of light-gathering fields includes light-gathering fields that are not adjacent to each other. (Composition 15) The setting unit sets the shape of the first light-collecting field area using a first light-collecting field group and a second light-collecting field group that is symmetrical to the first light-collecting field group, according to any one of configurations 12 to 14. (Composition 16) The setting unit modifies the coordinate information of the first light-collecting field area in units of the light-collecting field group, as described in any of configurations 12 to 15. (Composition 17) The setting unit switches the enabled / disabled status of the light-collecting field group in the first light-collecting field area in units of the light-collecting field group according to the operator's instructions, as described in any configuration 12 to 16. (Composition 18) The information processing apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 17, further comprising a display control unit for displaying information of the first light-gathering field area on a display device. (Composition 19) The automatic exposure control device is an information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 18, comprising an ion chamber. (Composition 20) A radiation imaging device that detects radiation, A radiation imaging system comprising: an information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 19, which is communicably connected to the radiation imaging device. An information processing device equipped with the following features. (Method 1) This includes setting the light-gathering field of a first radiation imaging device having an automatic exposure control function, The setting described above includes setting the shape of the first light-gathering field area of ​​the first radiation imaging device based on the shape of the second light-gathering field area. A method for operating an information processing device, wherein the shape of the second light-gathering field area includes the shape of the light-gathering field area of ​​an automatic exposure control device, which has an automatic exposure control function and is separate from the radiation imaging device. (Program 1) A program that, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform each step of the operation method of the information processing device described in Method 1.

[0106] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. Inventions modified to the extent that they do not contradict the spirit of the present disclosure, and inventions equivalent to the present disclosure are also included in the present disclosure. Furthermore, the embodiments described above can be combined as appropriate to the extent that they do not contradict the spirit of the present disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0107] 100: Radiation imaging device (first radiation imaging device), 110: Control device (information processing device), 303: Light field setting unit (setting unit)

Claims

1. It includes a setting unit for setting the light-gathering field of a first radiation imaging device having an automatic exposure control function, The setting unit sets the shape of the first light-gathering field area of ​​the first radiation imaging device based on the shape of the second light-gathering field area. The shape of the second light-gathering field area includes the shape of the light-gathering field area of ​​an automatic exposure control device, which has an automatic exposure control function and is separate from the radiation imaging device, and is an information processing device.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the shape of the second light-gathering field area further includes the shape of the light-gathering field area of ​​a second radiation imaging apparatus having the automatic exposure control function, which is different from the shape of the first radiation imaging apparatus.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the shape of the second light-gathering field area further includes a shape that combines the shape of the light-gathering field area of ​​the automatic exposure control device and the shape of the light-gathering field area of ​​a second radiation imaging device, which has the automatic exposure control function and is different from the first radiation imaging device.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit sets the shape of the first light-collecting field area by mimicking the shape of the second light-collecting field area.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the setting unit sets the shape of the first light-collecting field area by mimicking the shape of the second light-collecting field area such that the first light-collecting field area overlaps the second light-collecting field area by 50% or more, or that the first light-collecting field area is circumscribed or inscribed with the second light-collecting field area.

6. The system further comprises a first storage unit for storing information of the second light-gathering field area, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit sets the shape of the first light-collecting field area based on the shape of the second light-collecting field area stored in the first storage unit.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the first storage unit stores information of the light-gathering field area of ​​the automatic exposure control device used in the past as information of the second light-gathering field area.

8. The management department manages the inspection information, A relationship unit that associates the shape of the first light-gathering field area set by the setting unit with the inspection information, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising the following:

9. The information processing device according to claim 8, wherein the inspection information includes at least one of the imaging site, imaging technique, imaging posture, imaging direction, presence or absence of a grid, and sensor type.

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a control unit that controls the automatic exposure control function of the first radiation imaging apparatus using information of the first light-gathering field area associated with the examination information included in the examination order of the subject.

11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit sets the smallest unit of the light-gathering field area of ​​the first radiation imaging apparatus to one pixel of the first radiation imaging apparatus.

12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the smallest unit area of ​​the light-gathering field area of ​​the first radiation imaging device is bundled together to form a light-gathering field group, the setting unit sets the shape of the first light-gathering field area using at least one of the light-gathering field groups.

13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the first light-gathering field region includes a plurality of light-gathering field groups that overlap in at least part.

14. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the group of light-collecting fields includes light-collecting field regions that are not adjacent to each other.

15. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the setting unit sets the shape of the first light-collecting field area using a first light-collecting field group and a second light-collecting field group that is symmetrical to the first light-collecting field group.

16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the setting unit changes the coordinate information of the first light-collecting field area in units of the light-collecting field group.

17. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the setting unit switches the enabling / disabling of the light field group in the first light field region in units of the light field group according to the operator's instructions.

18. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display control unit for displaying information of the first light-gathering field area on a display device.

19. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the automatic exposure control device comprises an ion chamber.

20. A radiation imaging device that detects radiation, A radiation imaging system comprising an information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, which is communicably connected to the radiation imaging device.

21. This includes setting the light-gathering field of a first radiation imaging device having an automatic exposure control function, The setting described above includes setting the shape of the first light-gathering field area of ​​the first radiation imaging device based on the shape of the second light-gathering field area. A method for operating an information processing device, wherein the shape of the second light-gathering field area includes the shape of the light-gathering field area of ​​an automatic exposure control device, which has an automatic exposure control function and is separate from the radiation imaging device.

22. A program that, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform each step of the operation method of the information processing device described in claim 21.

Images